30 January 2018

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Students

Welcome to all new and continuing students, parents, teachers and staff to 2018 and what will undoubtedly be another wonderful year at Mansfield State High School. The news of our excellence continues to travel, with our enrolments up yet again, nearly 2600 students. Despite our size, teachers and staff are, as always, committed to maintaining our vision of delivering Quality Learning in a Caring Environment, one which has propelled us to success year after year. Our School Improvement Agenda Priorities for this year are: Reading and Writing; and Engagement. Walking around the school these first few days, I have been impressed with the way in which our students have presented themselves, have been taking pride in the wearing of their uniform and in their conduct as members of the Mansfield State High School community. Clearly, our students are happy to be back at school, ready to learn and achieve their best.

This year sees the introduction of a new leadership structure in the Administration in order to cater for the continued growth at our school and to ensure that our school is the best it can be in order to improve student outcomes, every lesson, every day. The new structure is as follows:

Our enrolment for 2018 is once again the largest ever in the history of our school with 2579 students. Enrolments at the moment are as follows:

• Year 7 – 473
• Year 8 – 543
• Year 9 – 505
• Year 10 – 394
• Year 11 – 275
• Year 12 – 389.

Congratulations to 2017 Yr 12s

The fantastic achievements of our 2017 Year 12s are inspiring for us all, with their hard work and dedication during the year reaping outstanding results. They are a great example of how the high expectations we set in regards to uniform, behaviour and effort have a wonderful flow-on effect to success. The following is a summary of their results:

• 5 students received an OP1
• 21 students received an OP2
• 15 Students received and OP3
• 27 Students received and OP4
• 23 Students received an OP5
• 29% (91 students) of the eligible students received OP1-5
• 59% (186 students) of the eligible students received an OP1-10
• 85% (267 students) of the eligible students received an OP1-15.

OP1 Students: Jasmine Cheruvankalayil, Ethan Kok, Chelsea Meadows, Kieran Ong, Shaun Tan.

OP2 Students: Katie Bond, Nathan Branjerdporn, Eliana Gowlett, Michael Gunton, Keala Habner, Qiushi Huang, Stevie Hunter, Stella Karanasios, Kathy Kim, Gun Lee, Andrew Li, Nicole Lim, Mandy Liu, Morgan Nierfeld, Jasmin Oates, Andrew Phan, Navin Sivasankaran, Lien-En Su, Zoe Thompson, Serainly Yuan, Sihan Yue.

OP3 Students: Lucy Anderson, Celina Chan, Si Chung, Shanil Jayawardena, Yun Kim, Sonia Lee, Edan Pereira, Danny Phan, Soloman Popal, Emily Reitberg, Isabella Scarpato, Jessica Storey, Leanne Tchang, Rebekah Weaich, Justin Yeh.

I am sure you will join me in congratulating all of the students, staff and families on this outstanding success.

Year 12 Leadership Induction Ceremony

At our Leadership Induction Ceremony where our Year 12 students were presented with their badges, I shared some words of great athletes and leaders:

Michael Jordan: ‘Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.’

Usain Bolt: ‘Believe in your dreams and that anything is possible,’

Mahatma Gandhi: ‘Live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you were to live forever.’

I also once again shared some quotes that I shared at our Leadership camp:

‘Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.’

‘Where there is no vision, there is no hope.’

‘Leadership cannot be given, it must be earned, it cannot be taken away, you lose it by lack of performance.’

‘Leadership is not a position or a title, it is an action and an example.’

‘A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.’

‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.’

‘Great leaders don’t set out to be a Leader … They set out to make a difference.’

It was an important day for all of our Year 12 families as they play such a big part in our school. On behalf of the school community, I would like to wish our Year 12 students all the best as they help lead Mansfield State High School so it can be the best school that it can be.

Staffing 2018

We welcome the following staff to the Mansfield State High School community:

Returning: Charlotte Barkla, Melissa Gould, Genevieve Josephs, Anneka Lloyd.

New: Rebecca Brown (Wellington Point SHS), Christine Chew, Samantha Scott, Huw Day (Kirwan SHS), Kevin Driesse, Lucy Endicott, Mikaela Foot, Heidi Frommolt, Nathan Hartwell (Cape York Aboriginal Australia Academy: Hopevale Campus), Ben Hislop (Clermont SHS), Dane Krams, Tara Kuhn (Brisbane SHS), Steve Mason (Trinity Bay SHS), Emily Preston (Wellington Point SHS), Leanne Townsend (Springwood SHS), Alister Walker, Sophie Whiting and Alycia Wilkinson.

Year Level Co-ordinators and Administration

The following table sets out our Year Co-ordinators and Administration for 2018.

Open Day No 1

Thursday 22 February for Year 7 2019 (OUT OF CATCHMENT and EXCELLENCE program enrolments including Mansfield Primary OUT OF CATCHMENT students)

9am-12noon for the WHOLE SESSION beginning in the Hall

All prospective students and parents are invited to attend our first Open Day for 2018 as listed below. However because of numbers, we encourage only students from outside of the catchment area to attend this time including Mansfield Primary out of catchment students. You will receive a guided tour of our school, as well as an informative talk. Come early and enjoy listening to one of our magnificent Mansfield music ensembles. All relevant enrolment information will be available on the day.

Our other Open Days for students enrolling in Yr 7 2019 (or other year levels) will be Friday 9 March for catchment students and excellence programs and Friday 10 August for remaining catchment students only ( no excellence program applicants accepted at this time).

Applications for enrolment will only be accepted for:

Parking restrictions

Please DO NOT DRIVE INTO THE SCHOOL GROUNDS OR SCHOOL DRIVEWAYS at any time other than to collect a sick student from the Administration Block or for evening functions. There are many safe areas along Broadwater Road west of Ham Road for drop-off and pick-up. It would be appreciated if you would arrange to collect your student from a designated meeting place some one hundred metres away from the school.

Please do not set down, collect or park in any of the restricted zones near the entrances of the school, particularly the Broadwater Road Entrances near the Administration Building and the Ham Road Entrance near the Music Block. Please note that outside the Administration Building is a ‘NO STANDING’ zone that is frequently patrolled by the police or Council officers and the fines are heavy. Wherever there is a YELLOW LINE, vehicles are not to stop. Thank you for trying to make our school environment safer. It is so important!

We have two regulation size disability parking bays in the Ham Road car park, just next to the Music Block. This parking is available for motorists who require parking access with either RED or BLUE permits only. Please note these bays are clearly marked and are not for general parking use. We currently have students who require access to these parking bays at morning drop off, afternoon pick up and during the day. We ask parents to please refrain from accessing these spaces to ensure parents of students with disabilities can ensure safe and efficient access to the school. There is also a disability parking bay in the administration car park. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Parents coming to the school

Parents entering the school grounds are to go immediately to the Upper Office. If a parent wishes to meet with a staff member, the staff member will be asked to come to the office area, if he/she is available. An appointment will usually need to be made.

At no stage are parents to go directly to a staff room or an administrator’s office. So that our students and staff have confidence in knowing that only authorised adults are in our school grounds and in our staffroom and offices, parents asked to ensure that this process is followed. The safety of all of our students and staff is paramount.

Thank you for your understanding in these matters.

I hope you all have a wonderful week with your family as we prepare for another busy year ahead of all of us.

Mrs Karen Tanks, Executive Principal

Business Services Manager News

Welcome to our new students for 2018!

Any Year 7 students who were registered with Q Parent at their previous school will now have access to their information transferred automatically over to Mansfield State High School. Invitations will be sent out to all new parents mid-February to allow you the opportunity to join the benefits of Q Parent.

Thank you to all parents who have made payments and arrangements to pay for your student’s laptop. As you can imagine in a school of this size, it has become a massive undertaking to invoice and process payments for ordering and deployment of devices, so thank you all for your patience and understanding during this very busy time.

Subject fees will not be invoiced to your account until mid-to late February/early March. If you have fees owing for 2017 please endeavour to make regular fortnightly payments by Bpay or Bpoint. If you wish to enter into a payment arrangement please contact Mrs Mary Cross by email mcros42@eq.edu.au, or myself at seber7@eq.edu.au.

Mrs Sandy Ebert, Business Services Manager

Faculty News

English

Somerset Festival of Literature Excursion

The English Department is very pleased to offer the opportunity for students in Years 7-10, who have a great love of literature and writing, to attend an excursion to the Somerset Celebration of Literature Festival on Friday 16 March. Students will attend four sessions during the day and may purchase books and have them signed by the authors. The cost is $25. Please see Mr Redhead in G Block for a permission form. Payment is due to the lower office by Friday 16 February. Please be quick as places are limited.

Ms Carissa Bladin, Head of Department (English)

HPE

Interschool Sport/MAP

Mansfield High School is involved in both summer and winter interschool sport in the South District competition. Fixtures are held each Tuesday (Years 7, 8, 9) or Wednesday (Years 10, 11, 12) in Period 4. Summer fixtures will begin on Tuesday 14 February or Wednesday 15 February.

Interschool sports offered include:

• Boys: Touch, volleyball, cricket, basketball and indoor soccer
• Girls: Softball, touch, volleyball and futsal.

Students selected in interschool teams must have the full interschool sports uniform, be able to train once a week, pay the interschool levy ($40 home and away OR $60 central venue), and hand in permission/medical forms by the due date.

Students who do not do an interschool sport participate in the Mansfield Activity Programme (MAP) on Tuesday/Wednesday afternoons.

Activities in MAP include academic/extension/support activities, sporting and cultural activities. It is important to discuss activity selection with your student, keeping in mind such issues as cost of the activity and your student’s particular interests and abilities. Many activities cost nothing.

MAP selections Block 1

Students will be required to log onto the link below to select their MAP activity. Students who are selected in an interschool sport activity should also select their sport on this site. You are reminded that some activities have financial costs associated with them.

MAP is an essential part of Mansfield High’s curriculum. Therefore ALL students must be involved in an activity on Tuesday/Wednesday afternoon. Please make every effort to arrange medical/ dental/ physio etc appointments at some other time.

School gym

The school gym is open to all students from 7.40-8.20am every day. New students, who attend, complete an induction procedure and are assisted with a program to suit their ability/needs. Students wear their formal uniform to school and then get changed. They are to bring a towel.

Futsal

The State Schools’ Indoor Soccer Championships are held in Term 1 in Brisbane. Mansfield will one again be represented by several teams. Training will commence shortly. Students are advised to consult the noticeboard in K Block for further information or to contact Mr Austen to express interest.

South District trials

• Paper Nominations required by Thursday 1 February for Tennis girls and boys 13–19 years
• Paper Nominations required by Thursday 1 February – Softball girls 13-19 years
• Paper Nominations required by Thursday 1 February Baseball girls and boys 12-14 years, 15-19 years.
• Paper Nominations required by Wednesday 7 February for Swimming 12 years and under only (born 2006)
• Paper Nominations required by Wednesday 7 February for Basketball 12 years and under only (born 2006).

For more information and to nominate:

• 12 year olds see Mr McGill in S block
• 12-18 year olds see Mr Johnson in K block.

House allocation

House allocation for all students is as follows by family name:

• A-D Hammarskjold
• E-K Gandhi
• L-P Schweitzer
• Q-Z U-Thant.

Our houses are named after people who showed great leadership, commitment, perseverance and aspiration in achieving their ideals (world peace). They provided wonderful role models for our students to emulate.

House Captains 2018

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected as House Leaders for 2018:

Hammerskjold

Emma Barwick and Josh Bowes

Gandhi

Lauren Knijnenburg and Hamish Elliot

Schweitzer

Emily Power and Jack Mehrtens

U-Thant

Hannah Wainwright, Jaymie Wood and Gusti Yadnya.

Swimming Carnival

Our school’s annual Swimming Carnival will be held at Chandler Aquatic Complex on Friday 2 February. All students are required to attend as it is a normal school day. They are encouraged to swim and all students are expected to support their fellow team members. A permission slip has already been sent home. Students can wear their sports uniform to school. Students are encouraged to bring their swimming gear, as they have an opportunity to swim and gain extra points for their House at lunchtime.

Insurance cover for students undertaking physical activities

Physical activity and physical education, particularly contact sports, carry inherent risks of injury. Parents are advised that the Department of Education Training and the Arts DOES NOT have Personal Accident Insurance cover for students. Education Queensland has public liability cover for all approved school activities and provides compensation for students injured at school only when the Department is negligent. Unless negligence is proven, all costs associated with an injury are the responsibility of the parent or caregiver. It is a personal decision for parents as to the type and level of private insurance they arrange to cover students for any accidental injury that may occur.

Mr Fraser McGill, Sport Coordinator – Yrs 7-9
Mr Rowan Johnson, Sport Coordinator – Yrs 10-12
Mr Craig Healey, Head of Department (Health and Physical Education)

Information Technology

School network

The school and the P&C have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to upgrade the school wireless network. This upgrade has taken place over the school holiday period and will not be fully complete until after the Easter holidays. The start of the year has not been without its hiccups as we iron out the bugs in what has been a complete rip and replace of the old network. We are already seeing the benefits with our IT Technicians joining over one hundred laptops to the network in a single room while preparing them for the students. This would have been impossible with our old equipment. I am looking forward to Term Two when the upgrade will be complete.

Laptops for Years 11, 10 and 7

You should be aware that all students in the above year levels are required to bring a laptop to school every day. All students have been given details on daily laptop procedures. It is important they follow these procedures to make best use of the laptops and ensure the devices are kept safe.

There are generally two options to supply a laptop – Bring your own device (BYOD) or join the school laptop program. For a short time, the school will have daily loan laptops for students who have yet to choose one of these options. At some point though, students will have to supply their own laptop.

School Laptop Program

I am very pleased to see the huge number of laptops now in the hands of the students. It has been a massive effort to prepare and distribute hundreds of laptops to students in years 11, 10 and 7. The laptop program is ongoing and there are laptops available right now if you still want to join. Being part of the laptop program gives hassle-free access to a laptop with the latest hardware. Plus, you get 3 years’ warranty and accidental damage protection along with school software and support from our technicians. Forms and information are on the school website.

BYOD

Information about bringing your own computer is also on the website. Please be aware there are minimum specifications to ensure an acceptable experience for students while at school. Also please remember that as it is not a school device you have responsibility for warranty claims, repairs and software issues. Students need to take their device to the IT Help Desk the first time they bring it to school so it can be joined to the network through an “on-boarding” process. After this one-time process, the laptop should automatically join each time it is brought to school.

Mr Mark Casey, Head of Department (Information Technology)

Learning and Performance

The staff of Mansfield’s Learning and Performance Department continue to focus on the learning needs and abilities of our students. In 2018 we have some exciting changes!

I would like to recognise the fine work and tireless contributions to the Literacy Team made by outgoing Literacy Coordinator Rufina Semovskih. Her passion and energy in this role has been a boon to the staff and students who have worked closely with her. I thank her most gratefully for her substantial contributions to Literacy at Mansfield.

In 2018 joining Ms Mawer in the Literacy Team is Miss Gould, in the role of Literacy Coordinator, who brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, particularly in terms of the ever increasing needs of literacy in the Sciences, emerging literacy strategies from Europe and some personal insight into how to recover from snowboarding adventures in Japan.

The widely known and respected academic, Professor John Hattie, recommends “persistent and relentless attention to evidence-based impact” on student learning and performance. To this end, Learning and Performance has a range of programs that provide close attention to evidence based approaches that help students develop and master their skills and passion for learning.

Key programs include: RAMP, Eagle and Wolf, Writing, Literacy Support, Know Me Better, English as an Additional Language Support, NAPLAN Master Classes, and many other Gifted and Talented programs such as OptiMinds, Somerset Celebration of Literature Festival and International Academy Conferences. And there is so much more!

The success of these programs reflects the dedication, imagination and talent of our teachers and students. Our school community appreciates the benefits and impacts of these programs - it is something that we will continue to work on together; a collective enterprise from all.

Resource Centre

My name is Kym Andrews and I am our fulltime teacher librarian this year. I am very excited to be taking on the role after teaching at Mansfield High School since 2002 and gaining my Masters in 2015. Together with Mrs Robertson and the wonderful library staff, I look forward to continuing to provide reading opportunities and research guidance for our students. Please note the following opening times:

• Monday to Thursday: 8:00am–4:00pm
• Friday: 8:00am-3:30pm

Mr Mark Redhead, Head of Department (Learning and Performance)

Maths

Introduction to High School Maths – Year 7 Parents

Wednesday 21 February 2018, 1–3pm OR 7-9pm

The Introduction to High School Maths sessions give parents of Year 7 students an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the mathematics curriculum and how it is being taught in 2018. The main aim is to help parents understand the assessment process, to look at the text book and how it is being used and to teach parents some maths so that they feel competent and confident when they are helping their students. Mr Broome, Head of Department - Mathematics, will lead one session in the afternoon (1-3pm) and one in the evening (7-9pm). Both sessions will be held in C1 and C2. C-block is the new building located on Broadwater Rd. Year 7 parents are encouraged to attend ONE of these sessions. Please note that each session is limited to 70 participants. To secure your place, we ask that you pre-book your preferred session by completing the Introduction to High School Maths Tear Off Form at the end of this newsletter and returning it to the UPPER OFFICE no later than Monday 19 February. Please make a note of the date and time in your calendar and arrive on time for your chosen session.

Tutoring

The Maths Department will be offering tutorials after school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. This will commence Week 3. More information will be provided in the next newsletter regarding specific Maths subjects and the days they are offered.

National Statistics Poster Competition

Each year, the Statistical Society of Australia (SSA) and University of Newcastle run a National Statistics Poster Competition for school students. This project-based learning activity involves teams of two to five school students creating an informative poster presentation based on the collection and interpretation of data towards addressing a practical research question

Miss Agnew’s class has entered this competition as part of their TIC Maths studies, and they have won their category three years in a row! The winning entries can be found at the link below.

Our 2017 winners for the Year 9/10 Category are (pictured) Brianna Mears (10F), Keaton Luck (10L), and Kayla Mears (10F).

Previous winners are:

• 2016, Year 7/8 Category: Maike Hager, Shisa Longchari and Jacinta Tsen
• 2015: Year 7/8 Category: Hiruni Dharmasena and Deana Benko

The competition will be advertised school-wide later in the year for interested students. For more information, students can see Miss Agnew in C block or email her at kagne12@eq.edu.au.

Mr Peter Broome, Head of Department (Maths)
Mrs Leanne Townsend, Head of Department (Maths)

Pedagogy and Engagement

Student Development Program

Our Student Development Program (SDP) for 2018 has commenced!

SDP lessons take place on Tuesday mornings (Years 10-12) or Wednesday mornings (Years 7-9) and are designed to support the holistic growth of our students, with the goal that each student finishes high school as a confident, informed, well-balanced Mansfield High School graduate.

This year sees an increased focus on student wellbeing, with students and teachers exploring growth mindsets and ways to maintain a positive outlook, as well as identifying the value of cultivating relationships. SDP teachers and students will have opportunities to: investigate strategies to improve learning, plan for effective time management, learn from motivational speakers and look at ways to promote personal growth.

It will be a busy and exciting year in our Student Development Program so keep an eye on this space for updates!

Mrs Jo Hardie, Head of Department (Pedagogy and Engagement)

Guidance News

Welcome to the first Guidance News for 2018. Our Guidance Officers are Corinne Neilsen, Jo Lawton and Alycia Wilkinson.

The Guidance Officers provide consultation, assessment, intervention and a prevention focus to help students manage issues impacting upon their academic performance and development. They are available to assist students with a range of academic and personal issues including subject choices, study skills, time management, post compulsory options and further study, including QTAC procedures, career decision making and counselling and other personal management issues. Guidance Officers team with administrators, teachers, parents and other helping professionals (both in and outside of the school) to ensure that every student learns in a safe, healthy and supportive academic environment.

Guidance News aims to provide general information and notification of a range of events relevant to students. Guidance News will also provide regular updates on opportunities for young people and other topics of special interest to students and parents throughout the year.

Students will be kept informed of events and relevant information via emails sent to their school accounts. All students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are further encouraged to check their emails and the G.O.2 tab on the Mansfield State High School homepage for updates from the Options Careers newsletter.

Students may make appointments by dropping into the Guidance Office at A Block, rooms 19/20 during break times. Parents are welcome to contact a Guidance Officer on the numbers listed below.

Mrs Jo Lawton (Ph 3452 5316 Monday to Friday)
Mrs Corinne Nielsen (Ph 3452 5318 Monday to Friday)
Mrs Alycia Wilkinson (Ph 3425 5321 Monday to Wednesday)
Guidance Officers

Community News

Service at Mansfield

V@M (Volunteers@Mansfield)

Volunteering is valued at Mansfield and every student in our school community is encouraged to volunteer in whatever capacity possible to assist others, particularly within the school environment. Students have been engaged in activities such as: assisting with staffroom tasks; setting up and packing away the computer trolleys; helping in the Uniform Shop, Book Shop and Canteen; sorting lost property; gardening; preparing the Newsletter mail-out; to name but a few. Once students complete 2000 minutes of voluntary activities, they will be awarded a V@M badge. All students who perform voluntary activities and have them recorded are eligible for consideration for Service Awards for our Evening of Excellence. Thank you to all of the students who have contributed to date. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

The Rauchle Service Club

The Rauchle Service Club was founded at the end of 2003 in memory of Ms Nell Rauchle, a Guidance Officer at our school for over ten years who lost her battle with cancer. The club is made up of students who wish to give their time, talents and enthusiasm to help others. The students run fundraising activities throughout the year with all proceeds going to support charities or causes outside of our school, such as Guide Dogs Queensland, CanTeen Queensland, Headspace and the Special Children's Christmas Party. We sponsor the education of two overseas students, Lauren in Tanzania and Manny in PNG. Rauchle members also choose to give their time to help others. For the last nine years our Year 9 and 10 students have had the opportunity to mentor and encourage primary age students through the Smith Family’s Student2Student program. Our students also volunteer their time to support the Rotary Club of Wishart with their bi-annual book sale. Rauchle students are environmentally active, participating in Mobile Muster, Clean Up Australia Day, National Tree Day and our own battery recycling program. We even sponsor our very own koala, Yani. The first fundraising events for 2018 will be a Valentine’s Day stall (beginning Monday 12 Feb) and our annual Pancake Day on Thursday 1 March. Membership is open to all students (Years 7-12) and it is a great way to meet new friends while making a difference in the lives of others.

P & C Membership 2018

All parents, guardians and friends of our school are invited to become members of our Parents and Citizens’ Association. Our active P&C works closely with the school to achieve common goals and to build a stronger school community where all students benefit. We need people from all walks of life and with a range of talents who are committed to delivering great outcomes for their children and school. P&C meetings are generally held on the 4th Thursday of the month at 7pm in F-block, next to the assembly hall. Membership does not mean you have to attend meetings; however, it does entitle you to vote on matters pertaining to our school. At the end of this newsletter is a P&C Membership Application which you are invited to complete and return to the UPPER OFFICE. Please note that membership must be renewed on an annual basis. All memberships received before the date of the Annual General Meeting on Thursday 22 February will be automatically accepted at that meeting.

P & C Annual General Meeting

Thursday 22 February, 7pm F Block (next to the assembly hall)

Everyone is invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of the P&C. Memberships must be renewed every year as per the P&C Constitution and all new memberships and renewals received prior to the AGM will automatically be accepted. The first meeting of the P&C for this year will immediately follow the AGM.

Uniform shop/book shop - thank you!

The staff and volunteers from the uniform and book shops would like to thank all families for their patience and understanding during the very busy back-to-school period. A very special thank you also goes to our wonderful students who assisted in the uniform and book shops at the end of last year and at the beginning of this year. You did a marvellous job and we are extremely grateful for your assistance!

Feedback requested – Campion Education

If you have any feedback, positive or negative, regarding your experience ordering textbooks and stationery through Campion, we would like to hear about it. Please email Mrs Sue Holley sholl143@eq.edu.au

Winter uniform orders

If you require winter uniform items (including special orders), your order must be finalised by the end of February. Towards the end of February, Year 7 students will have the opportunity to try on winter items for size and orders can be placed after that. The uniform shop is currently finalising a new online ordering system and more accurate dates will be provided in the next newsletter. All students require a school pullover ($60) and/or a blazer ($130). The school scarf ($15) is a warm option if your student feels the cold and is highly recommended. Tights ($7.50) are available for girls and trousers ($44-$47) for boys. Please note that uniform prices are subject to change. Our uniform shop convenor is Mrs Anne Rattu and the opening hours are Tuesday and Thursday between 7.30-9.15am. Phone 3452 5357 – during opening hours only.

Student achievements

We love to hear all about the wonderful achievements of our students, whether they be sporting, musical, cultural, or service. We also like to share this news with our community and the wider public. If you have a story to tell us, please email Mrs Sue Holley sholl143@eq.edu.au. We just love to share the good news.

Braydon Smith (7F) represented Queensland at the National Futsal Championships in Sydney during January. The Queensland boys put in a tremendous effort in the grand final against a Victorian team, only to just get pipped 4-5 at the final whistle. Congratulations Braydon, a silver medal is something to be very proud of.

Mrs Sue Holley, Community Liaison Officer

Chaplaincy News

Glen Petersen, is our School Chaplain and his office is in A04 which is near the canteen. Glen is a former student and School Captain of Mansfield High and his door is always open for students either to just drop in at break times or by appointment (Monday to Thursday).

Chaplains provide for student’s emotional needs through pastoral care – helping students struggling with a wide range of issues, including: family problems, confusing relationships, friendship issues, peer pressure, self-esteem issues, bullying, stress and anxiety. Chaplains provide general personal and spiritual advice, comfort and support to all students and staff, regardless of their religious affiliation or religious beliefs.

Current government funding supports nearly two days a week for the chaplaincy program but as a school community we are responsible for raising $35,000 each year to cover the additional two days per week. Donations are always very welcome and are tax deductible. Donations can be left at the Upper Office in an envelope marked Mansfield Chaplaincy; simply add your details to the donation if you would like a receipt for tax purposes. We will be conducting a special Chaplaincy Drive in the second term, but all donations throughout the year are greatly appreciated.

Parents’ Prayer Group

Chappy Glen would love to hear from any parents interested in becoming involved with the Parents’ Christian Prayer Group. Please email him at glenp@chappy.org.au.

The meetings will be held at 1:45pm, fortnightly on a Monday and will finish to enable parents to collect their students at 2:45pm. If you are unable to attend the meetings but would like to know more, please still email Glen. First meeting is Monday 5 February at 1:45pm in Chappy Glen's office near the tuckshop.

Canteen News

Debbie, Annette and Vanessa welcome all returning and new parents to Mansfield High and invite you to become part of the volunteer team, sharing in the interaction we have with students and staff in our canteen. Our canteen is open each day from 8am to provide fresh healthy food options at very reasonable prices and our volunteers are essential in this process. We invite you to commit to one half day a month from approximately 8.30am until 1.30pm, but are flexible should you prefer to do just a couple of hours. The roster is published in our school newsletter every fortnight. For WHS reasons, volunteers are required to wear closed in shoes while working in the canteen. We would appreciate it if you could provide your own apron. Lunch, a cold drink and an air-conditioned work space will be provided. To volunteer your time please complete the Canteen Roster section at the end of this newsletter and return it to the Upper Office asap. Thank you!

Canteen Roster

Mrs Debbie O’Neill, Canteen Convenor
Canteen Telephone: Ph 3452 5323

Calendar of Events